IND vs ENG 1st Test: Sai Sudharsan makes Test debut at Headingley as England opt to bowl first

**Sai Sudharsan** has officially received his Test cap, marking his debut as India commences its campaign in the new World Test Championship cycle. The first Test pits them against England at Headingley. **Captain Shubman Gill** won the toss and elected to bat first on a pitch favoring seam bowlers, setting the stage for a challenging series for the youthful Indian squad.

India’s playing XI includes: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (vice-captain), Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Prasidh Krishna, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.

The inclusion of the 23-year-old Sudharsan at the No. 3 position signifies a new, audacious era for Indian Test cricket. While his first-class statistics – 1,957 runs in 49 innings with an average of 39.93, and a top score of 213 – are still developing, his composure, timing, and recent form have made him impossible to overlook.

Sudharsan distinguished himself in the IPL 2025 season, securing the Orange Cap. His performances as an opening batsman were notable for their remarkable poise and adaptability to diverse conditions.

Team India, now under fresh leadership, is clearly focused on the future. Despite the departures of established players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the management is prioritizing potential, and Sudharsan embodies this philosophy perfectly.

As Sudharsan enters the field to bat amidst overcast English weather facing the Dukes ball, he carries not only expectations but also a clear message – the future is now.